"Is that all?" I raised an eyebrow
"Yes, that is all." The servant replied
I nodded before gesturing my hand for him to leave.
Such an ordinary person yet so interesting.. Theo Evans was it? I think I have their address in one of the registered logs.
But for now I should probably head to bed, see you in the morning, Theo.
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I sat up on my bed still drowsy from just waking up. I rubbed my eyes a bit before grabbing and chugging down the cup of water that was placed on my nightstand from the night before.
I quietly headed towards the bathroom to get myself ready for the day. After I finished preparing I quietly walked out of the bathroom.
What should I do today? Should I head to the market place? Yeah probably I'll note that. Oh since it's pretty early I think I should take a walk around that forest area? Yeah that sounds nice.
I carefully walked down the stairs hoping the stairs won't creak as much like the ones in the inn we stayed at. Luckily it wasn't really all that creeky.
I went into the kitchen and picked up a bread roll, a cup and some milk from the fridge, I ate the piece of bread while pouring the milk into the cup I quickly drank the milk and picked up my bag from the clothing hook and headed out.
On the way out I finished my bread roll and also coincidentally stumbled upon that prince once again.
"Hm?!" I widened my eyes before quickly swallowing down the piece I had in my mouth
"Your highness!" I panicked and quickly bowed
He nodded
…
"Where are you headed?" He asked of of curiosity
"Oh! Just that forest over there..?" I pointed
"Mm, I see. May I join you?" His eyes lighten
"Uh, I-I guess..?" I hesitated
He nodded as he began following besides me
I cautiously headed slowly towards the forest before halting at a certain squeaking sound. I flipped my head around to see the mail man drop off some letters.
"Your highness! Please excuse me!" I quickly bowed and scurried to the mailbox.
I took out a chunk of envelopes and skim though them until I found an envelope with a particular stamp of a bird specifically a dove.
I placed the chunk of envelopes back into the mailbox before turning my attention back to Lionel.
"Sorry about that." I apologized nervously while slightly rubbing my neck
"No, it's alright, we're still heading to the forest right?" He tilted his head and this time he sounded just a hint gentler?
"Mhm!" I smiled
After that I started to become just a bit less cautious of him but of course not completely comfortable yet. We walked silently until we reached the forest trails.
"I actually know this forest pretty well." Lionel said finally broke the silence
"Do you? Why don't you lead the way then?" I suggested
He looked like he thought about it.
"You two stand further away from us but, still close enough to see us from a distance." He waved to his guards basically saying 'back up' to them
As the guards back away from us he turned back to me
"Sure, I'm delighted to be your guide." He smiling
What. Now I feel kinda uneasy.
"Haha yeah.." I chuckled anxiously
As we went deeper and deeper into the forest he would show me some hidden places that were really well hidden inside the forest and surprisingly were all so beautiful!~ I just couldn't help but smile at the wonderful scenery.
"Ah, we made it." Lionel gestured me to come closer
I hurried towards him until I was walking right besides him.
As we pushed away the branches and the bushes I started to see a very nice light grey stoned plate form. On top of that plate form I could see a small table that was under the shade of the trees beside it.
Lionel stepped forward and headed to the table, I soon also followed.
He pushed out a chair and turned to face me.
Surprised I asked, "Uh. For me?"
"Pfft~ who else?" He laughed as I slowly sat on the chair
Shortly after I sat down he quickly rounded the table and sat in the seat across from me.
We sat in silence for a while just listening to the birds and the slow rustling of the trees.
"Theo.." I flinched as I heard Lionel mumbled my name
"Yes..?" I said confused
"Do you want to visit the palace?" He softly questioned
"The palace?! Your palace?!" I said surprised
He nodded with a smile
I thought about it for a while, well it wasn't a bad idea.. but his parents definitely won't let a commoner like me in!
I rubbed my neck, "I can't, I don't want to be a bother to your family.." I fiddled with my fingers under the table
"You won't! Your not a bother to them!" He answered rather quickly
After that I could feel him turning upset, the calming mood that was once around us seems to instantly crumble.
"I-I mean like I'm a commoner and your royalty! Besides if my mom sees me there I'll be in trouble! So I really can't!" I quickly waved both my hands
"Oh. Alright.." his mood started to lighten a bit
"Then can I ask you something?" He said getting up from the chair
"Yes?" I replied
"May I have a.. hug..?" He asked quietly
I chuckled, "Sure!"
I got up as well and walked to him, I slowly embraced him and patted his back.
He wrapped his arms around me and squeezed me a bit.
Slowly we parted, I could hear him muttering something while staring at me intensely.
"Your highness?.." I waved a hand
He flinched as he snapped out of his thoughts.
"Huh..? Oh, yes I apologize.." he furrowed his eyebrows
"Don't worry about it!" I said smile
"Anyways, I have to go now. I have some errands to run, and stuff to do." I bowed
"So soon? Alright.. goodbye~" he said with a bit disappointment in his voice
"Good day your highness!" I said as I sped away
I quickly hurried back to my house and scurried to my room. I sat at my work desk and pulled out the letter, which was a bit crinkled at this point. In the letter it says,
"Theo,
I love and appreciate the gift! I am also very upset I couldn't physically say goodbye but, I really do hope you have a good life there. One day we'll meet again, one day.
-Marius"
I sighed, man I feel so guilty now for not saying goodbye to him! I guess you really can't always expect things to go your way.
Anyways I better go out, I have to pick up something's from the market.
I shifted off the chair and started to walk with my legs which felt very wobbly for some reason.
"Oh! Morning Beatrice!" I said waving as my posture suddenly fixed itself.
Standing to my right was Beatrice who just got out of her bedroom looking pretty~ tired..
"Morning." She replied heading towards the bathroom before shutting the door.
I continued to walk down stairs until I met eyes with Stephen.
Before he could even say something I quickly bolted outside and slammed the door behind me.
I walked to the market place and picked up some ingredients to make dessert.
After going to stall to stall I've bought eggs, flour, milk, this thing, this. Oh! And already made cheesecake~
I walked home slowly to enjoy the happy and cheerful atmosphere that surrounded the market place.
I knocked on the door and father opened it. He gestured me to come in, and I did, I headed to the kitchen and stored the ingredients into the fridge.
After finishing I went into my room and grabbed a piece of paper and my pen, sat down, and started to write.
Few minutes pasted and I finally finished I picked up an envelope from the drawer to my left and neatly put the letter in. I picked up a stamp and some candle wax and stamped on a seal.
I once again headed out, this seemed to be my last errand so I'll finish it quickly. I quickly walked to the nearby postal office and opened the door.
"Hello." I politely greeted the front desk
"Hello! What will you be sending today?" The lady asked
"Just a letter~" I smiled as I handed it to her
She read the writing on the envelope and looked up
"To confirm, this is going to the Varrenyth Kingdom's royal palace?"
"Yes." I replied
"Alright! Your all set it'll be delivered in 1-2 days." She smiled
"Thank you~" I hummed as I walked out the postal office
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Things were like that for the next 2 years..
Everyday I would meet up with Lionel usually to have a chat with him and that's what kinda made us a bit closer, I think? And at the same time I would send a letter to Marius every once in a while keeping him up to date about my life, though he always avoided talking about his..
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{ 2 years Later }
Lionel's POV
"Yes, mother?" I asked closing the door behind me
She sighed, "I'm sure you are aware that your older siblings have disappeared.." her tone darkening
I avoided looking at her
"The position of crown prince is lying in your hands right now." She continued
"To insure you won't have the same fates as your older siblings, I will have multiple guards protecting you until you reach the throne." She crossed her arms
"I, see.." I furrowed my eyebrows
"I know it might make you uncomfortable but please this is for your own sake." She closed her eyes as she sighed
I nodded, "Alright.. Thank you mother." I bowed
"May I be excused now?" I asked
"Yes, you may be excused." She replied
I headed out and gently closed the door behind me.
As I walked away I just couldn't help but laugh~
you'll be next in line after father~
Theo.. once I become king, I could finally give you everything you wanted! Until then wait for me..